The legendary journey of coffee beans

The legendary journey of coffee beans

Coffee beans are a plant seed originating from tropical regions. After a series of delicate processing and roasting processes, they become an indispensable drink in our daily life. However, behind these small coffee beans lies an amazing and legendary story.

Origin and Discovery

According to archaeologists, the earliest coffee trees were found growing in the Ethiopian plateau in Africa. According to legend, in the 9th century AD, a shepherd named Kaldi Berri noticed that his goats became unusually active after eating the fruits of a certain plant. Driven by curiosity, he tasted these fruits and found that they had a refreshing effect.

As time went on, more and more people began to realize the power of these amazing fruits. As a result, the first commercial cultivation and trade activities appeared on the Arabian Peninsula. Arab merchants brought coffee beans to other regions such as Egypt, Turkey and Persia. People in these places soon fell in love with coffee and began to establish a unique coffee culture.

Spread and Popularity

As coffee culture flourished in the Middle East, it gradually spread to Europe. According to historical records, the first European coffee house was opened in Italy in the early 17th century. Since then, coffee drinking has become popular in European countries and soon became an important place for social activities and exchanges of ideas.

In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, with the advent of the colonial era, the Spanish introduced coffee cultivation to Latin America, which has unique climate conditions and soil quality, and large-scale planting operations have quickly emerged in countries such as Brazil and Colombia.

Variety and taste

Different geographical environments, altitudes, and processing methods all have an impact on the final coffee beans produced. Therefore, we can find a variety of coffee varieties around the world.

Arabica and Robusta are the two most common varieties. Arabica beans are generally considered to be of higher quality, with a softer taste and a floral and fruity aroma. Robusta beans, on the other hand, have a higher caffeine content and a strong bitter taste.

Bake and Enjoy

During the traditional roasting process, coffee beans undergo a series of temperature changes and chemical reactions that transform the originally tasteless or bitter green beans into the aromatic coffee we are familiar with and love.

For consumers, how to choose coffee that suits their taste preferences is also an art. Different types of coffee, such as espresso, Americano, and latte, have their own characteristics and production methods. In addition, many innovative drinks have emerged in modern society, such as iced latte and cappuccino.

Sustainability

As global attention to sustainable development grows, the coffee industry has also begun to take steps to protect the environment and improve producer welfare. Many coffee farms have switched to organic growing methods, avoiding the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

In addition, some companies are committed to promoting fair trade and ensuring that people who grow and purchase coffee receive a fair income. These efforts aim to achieve a more sustainable, fair, and high-quality coffee supply chain.

Conclusion

From its initial discovery to becoming one of the most popular beverages in the world, coffee beans have a wonderful and legendary story behind them. It not only connects different regions and cultures, but is also an indispensable source of energy and good mood for countless people every morning.